Winter Vaccination Programme 2026/27
Published: 24th September 2026
The letter below from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer provides detailed guidance on the 2026/27 winter seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme. Its purpose is to outline the arrangements for delivering the programme, including eligibility, timings, vaccine products and operational requirements, to help ensure those most at risk are protected and to minimise pressure on health and social care services during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The programme includes a range of eligible groups for flu vaccination, including people aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to 64 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, frontline health and social care workers, unpaid carers, and household contacts of people with immunosuppression. Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination includes care home residents, everyone aged 75 and over, and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Source: Scottish Goverment (https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2026-18.pdf)
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The child flu programme and vaccination offer for pregnant women will begin in early September 2026. Adult flu vaccination may start later in September, while co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines for eligible adults will begin on 5 October 2026. The aim is for all eligible adults to have had the opportunity to be vaccinated by 6 December 2026.
Source: Scottish Goverment (https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2026-18.pdf)
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Yes. All NHS staff remain eligible for a seasonal flu vaccination in 2026/27, and frontline health and social care workers are encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect themselves, their colleagues and the people they care for.
Source: Scottish Goverment (https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2026-18.pdf)
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If a patient lacks the capacity to provide informed consent, a valid Section 47 Certificate of Incapacity must be presented before vaccination can proceed. Pharmacy teams involved in the programme should ensure carers are aware of this requirement in advance of the appointment to avoid delays.
Source: Scottish Goverment (https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2026-18.pdf)
This information was correct at the time of publication. Policy and guidance can change, so please check our latest news for the current position. For anything else, please contact enquiries@cps.scot
The Scottish Parliament recently debated the growing challenge of health misinformation, including its impact on public confidence in healthcare and vaccination programmes.